Fire Safety for Disabled Persons

Persons with physical, sight, or hearing disabilities may need to take special fire safety precautions, especially if they live alone.

Because it may take you longer to respond to a fire, it very important that you have the right number of appropriate smoke alarms installed in your home and that they are in working order. Early warning will give you more time to get out in case of fire.

Plan and practice an escape route.

If Your Hearing is Limited

Install smoke alarms that use a strobe light and vibrating pads as an alert signal. Hearing impaired smoke alarms are manufactured by leading smoke alarm manufacturers.

Install a tactile indicator along your escape route to make it easy to find the exit.

If Your Vision is Limited

If you have trouble seeing your smoke alarm to test it or replace its battery, consider placing a large colored sticker on it.

If You Have Limited Mobility

If you can't get to your smoke alarm to test, ask some one to help you do it.

Make sure you have easy access to any mobility aids you may need such as a walker or walking stick.

Make sure that hallways and other areas you must move through to exit your residence are clear and free of obstacles.

If You Use Oxygen

Make sure you oxygen equipment is stored safely out of direct sunlight in a elemental area. Make sure the area in which it is stored is always dry and not near heat sources.